Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
double bassoon

double bassoon

9.0
A large woodwind instrument like a bassoon that sounds one octave lower
  • noun
  • /ˈdʌbəl bəˈsuːn/
translation icon : contrafagote
  • The orchestra included a double bassoon to add depth to the low register.

Examples

  • A double bassoon is sometimes used in symphonic and opera music for its rich, deep tones.

  • He learned to play the double bassoon after mastering the regular bassoon.

  • The double bassoon sounds deep.

  • Listen to the double bassoon!

  • A double bassoon is sometimes used in symphonic and opera music for its rich, deep tones.

  • The orchestra included a double bassoon to add depth to the low register.

  • He learned to play the double bassoon after mastering the regular bassoon.

Synonyms

contrabassoon
vsdouble bassoon
9.9

A large wind instrument like a bassoon that plays notes an octave lower

is the same idea but placed within the bassoon family rather than the oboe family
contrafagotto
vsdouble bassoon
  • Specialized
9.9

A very large wind instrument that makes very low, deep sounds

is similar but specifically described as part of the bassoon family

Surface Forms

double bassoon singular
double bassoons plural

Morphology

double + bassoon

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'double' (twice/twofold, larger or lower) with 'bassoon' (the instrument): it denotes a bassoon that is larger/pitched an octave lower. This follows standard, cross-linguistic instrument‑naming patterns and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Double bassoon comes from the simple idea that it is a larger, double version of the bassoon, built to play the same notes one octave lower and make very 'deep' sounds. That's why orchestras use the double bassoon to add the lowest, rich tones.